Piers Morgan quits as host of RTS Programme Awards after campaign to oust him went viral

The TV presenter withdrew from the role after he received backlash online about being chosen

By TILLY PEARCE

19th February 2017, 7:19 pm

Updated: 20th February 2017, 1:27 pm

PIERS Morgan has announced that he's pulling out of presenting duties for the Royal Television Society's Programme Awards - after an online campaign to get him removed went viral.

The controversial journalist and TV host revealed in a statement posted online that he felt that he would only serve as a 'distraction' to the winners of the evening, after becoming a divisive figure thanks to his outspoken opinions.

Fame Flynet

Piers has withdrawn from hosting duties at the RTS awards

Organisers of the event chose Piers after deciding his opinionated reputation and experience in television made him the perfect candidate - but others were quick to disagree.

Theresa White, RTS CEO, said at the time of the announcement: "Morgan’s reputation for being opinionated and his wealth of experience working within the industry make him the perfect host and we look forward to a lively event."

PA:Press Association

Piers has slammed those who started a petition against him for not allowing him his own freedom of speech

However, the RTS Media twitter page was soon inundated with fans online who took exception to the choice - with one person suggesting that he should be "binned off for the Chuckle brothers."

After Piers became aware of a Change.org petition requesting his removal from the job, Piers decided to withdraw from the role completely.

In the statement on Facebook, he wrote: "It suggested that I lack the ‘creative excellence’ criteria required for presenting such an event and therefore my presence would be ‘damaging’ and ‘inappropriate.’ Further, I have ‘failed to understand a social movement that values equality and diversity of voice.’

"Apparently, this movement does not extend to tolerating my own diverse voice. I have no wish to serve as an unnecessary distraction from award winners whose hard work and skill should be celebrated without any of the silly noise this campaign has generated."

Piers' Full Statement

"I was recently invited to host the Royal Television Society Programme Awards. As someone who has worked in British and American television for most of this Millennium, on a variety of shows, I thought it might be fun and agreed to do it without any fee.

After my role was announced, a campaign was started to have me banned.

It suggested that I lack the ‘creative excellence’ criteria required for presenting such an event and therefore my presence would be ‘damaging’ and ‘inappropriate.’ Further, I have ‘failed to understand a social movement that values equality and diversity of voice.’

Apparently, this movement does not extend to tolerating my own diverse voice. I have no wish to serve as an unnecessary distraction from award winners whose hard work and skill should be celebrated without any of the silly noise this campaign has generated.

So, I am now withdrawing from hosting the evening. Good luck to everyone who has been nominated."

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